Patents Issued in March 13, 2007
  • Patent number: 7188784
    Abstract: An eave gutter is provided. A downspout is operatively coupled to the gutter. A plurality of spraying components has fittings and nozzles. The fittings and nozzles are positioned at spaced locations along the gutter. A conduit couples a fluid source and the fittings and nozzles to provided fluid to the gutter. Control components are provided along the conduit to the fittings and nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Michael S. Mullins, Phyllis J. Mullins
  • Patent number: 7188785
    Abstract: A paint reservoir has a fluid outlet (115) connectable to a spray gun (101) and a fluid inlet (131) provided with a removable screw cap (132) whereby the fluid inlet (131) is directly accessible for introducing paint to the reservoir while attached to the spray gun (101). The fluid outlet (115) and fluid inlet (131) may both be provided in an end wall of the reservoir with outlet (115) located on the longitudinal axis of the reservoir or offset to allow the size of the fluid inlet (131) to be increased for easier filling of the reservoir. The outlet (115) can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reservoir or it can be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis to provide greater clearance for access to the fluid inlet (131) when the reservoir is attached to the spray gun (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Michael J. R. Adams, Antonio Bacciocchi, Malcolm F. Douglas, Daniel E. Siltberg
  • Patent number: 7188786
    Abstract: A hose-end sprayer assembly connectable to at least one container of product to be dispensed has an elongated housing for a venturi tube assembly rotatable about its central axis and devised to selectively open and close a product inlet opening as well as its associated vent valve, an independently controllable liquid carrier valve being provided for opening and closing the carrier liquid flow through the venturi tube duct in the venturi tube assembly can be devised for opening and closing inlet product inlet openings of separately stored chemical products sequentially or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph K. Dodd
  • Patent number: 7188787
    Abstract: A sprayer with a water purifier, a valve system, and a selector switch for the same are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, when the sprayer is in use, the sprayer includes a purifier for purifying water. The sprayer may be compact and ergonomic. The sprayer may include a valve system that provides a selection of water flow paths and/or nozzles or other output mechanisms for the sprayer, and a selector switch for controlling the valve system. In certain embodiments, the sprayer is provided with a multiple position selector switch that can be controlled by one of the operator's fingers, or by the operator's thumb so that the operator can use the sprayer and select the sprayer setting with one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: William Michael Cannon, John Allen Wooton, Benjamin Jacob Clare, Melissa Ann Kreuzer, Christopher Miles Miller
  • Patent number: 7188788
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a needle valve having a metering land that corresponds with the metering edge to define a metering gap. The metering gap produces a pressure drop utilized to tailor needle valve opening and closing response times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Ulrich Augustin
  • Patent number: 7188789
    Abstract: An atomizer nozzle (1) for fuels, in particular for feeding them into a chemical reformer for obtaining hydrogen, has a nozzle body (2) containing spray-discharge orifices (3) that discharge into a metering space, and has at least one metering aperture (6). The spray-discharge orifices (3) are situated at elevation levels (4) so as to have a radial directional component with respect to a center line (10) of the nozzle body (2), each elevation step having at least one spray-discharge orifice (3), and the spray-discharge orifices (3) of at least one elevation level (4) being connected to at least one channel (14) of a nozzle-body insert (5) that has at least one flow-through opening (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Schwegler, Ian Faye, Markus Gesk, Frank Miller, Hartmut Albrodt, Franz Thoemmes
  • Patent number: 7188790
    Abstract: The fuel injection valve, for an internal combustion motor, has a valve body with injection openings (20) at its point. A valve needle has an axial movement within the valve body, with a conical needle point to give a selective blocking and release of the fuel flow through the injection openings. The point of the valve needle has recessed grooves matching each of the injection openings. The width of each groove matches the diameter of an injection opening, with a stepped contour and a curved cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andrej Astachow, Grit Krüger
  • Patent number: 7188791
    Abstract: A method for treating vulcanized rubber, the method including the steps of (i) providing an aqueous stream that includes vulcanized rubber particles suspended in water, (ii) feeding the aqueous stream to the top of a hydraulic downdraft column, (iii) conducting the aqueous stream to the bottom of the hydraulic downdraft column, (iv) conducting the aqueous stream into an ultrasonic treatment zone, (v) subjecting the aqueous stream to ultrasonic energy and, (vi) conducting the aqueous stream up a hydraulic updraft column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eau-Viron, Incorporated
    Inventor: James A. Titmas
  • Patent number: 7188792
    Abstract: A refiner including a material-admitting inlet and an outlet; and spaced apart first and second refining discs mounted in the chamber. The refiner further includes a rotary third ref refining disc disposed between the first and second discs. A first path for the movement of material from the inlet is defined between the first and third refining disks. A second path for the movement of material to the outlet is defined between the second and third refining disks. The refiner further includes a shaft extending through a central opening provided in the first disc, and a hub rigid with the shaft and having a center, the hub being received in the third refining disc central opening. The hub has at least one port in the hub from the first path to the second path and between the third refining disc central opening and the center of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: GL&V Management Hungary Kft.
    Inventor: Calvin C. Chase, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7188793
    Abstract: A spool control unit includes a circuit board, a plurality of electric components, an external device connector, and an insulating film. The circuit board includes a printed circuit on a surface thereof. The plurality of electric components include a microcomputer that controls the fishing equipment through a control program, and are disposed on the circuit board such that they are electrically connected to the printed circuit. The external device connector is mounted on the circuit board such that it is electronically connected to the printed circuit, and serves to connect to an external device. The insulating film covers at least a portion of the circuit board as well as the electric components but does not cover the regions of the circuit board on which the external device connector is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikuta, Ken′ichi Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7188794
    Abstract: An oscillating mechanism includes a first non-circular gear, a rotary cam and a slider. The first non-circular gear is a bi-lobe gear rotatable about an axis of the handle rotation. The rotary cam is rotatably mounted in the reel unit so as to be parallel with the first non-circular gear. The rotary cam includes a cam protrusion, and a multi-lobe second non-circular gear arranged so that a tooth corresponding to the minimum tip diameter of the second non-circular gear meshes with a tooth corresponding to the maximum tip diameter of the first non-circular gear. The number of teeth of the second non-circular gear is greater than that of the first non-circular gear. The slider is axially movably mounted to the spool shaft. The slider includes a cam groove engaging the cam protrusion. The present invention facilitates tight winding of fishing line in a shape closer to a cylindrical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masuo Ban, Keigo Kitajima, Taisei Morise
  • Patent number: 7188795
    Abstract: A fishing reel including a spool (5) for storing and dispensing line, and a winding mechanism for winding the line onto the spool (5) about a winding axis, the spool (5) is releasably secured in any one of a plurality of positions, each eccentrically offset from the winding axis to a different degree. In further embodiments a spool having an eccentrically positioned bore, a spindle positioned along an axis offset from the winding axis, the spindle being located within the bore of the spool, and a clutch releasably securing the spool in a desired position with respect to the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Strike Technology Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Maeder
  • Patent number: 7188796
    Abstract: A reel which rotates to wind or feed out the recording or recordable tape wound therearound is set in a cartridge. The reel rotation is locked by a reel lock that seizes the reel by being pushed against the reel with a spring and is unlocked by the release pad pushed back against the force of the spring. The release pad has a pivot, of which tip has a partial globe shape head, on the surface facing to the reel lock and the reel lock has a recess on the surface facing to the release pad. The curvature of the recess is larger than that of the pivot. The head of the pivot contacts within the recess. Then the pivot and the recess on reel lock surface can keep uniformly wear out in tape winding or feeding out and the reel lock hardly generates sound noise in the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuki Asano
  • Patent number: 7188797
    Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge made up of a cartridge case composed of an upper and lower cases welded together on the mating surfaces by ultrasonic welding with a plurality of energy directors, and a single reel of magnetic tape rotatalby retained in the case, in which the weld deposits formed by the energy directors may be prevented from sticking out of the mating surfaces. A plurality of energy directors provided on one of the mating surfaces have an elongated shape, and are disposed with the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along the side wall of the upper and lower cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Fujii, Seiji Tsuyuki
  • Patent number: 7188798
    Abstract: Device for continuous winding of webs onto winding shafts or winding cores to winding rollers, with a pressure roller supported in a frame that can be engaged on the winding shaft or winding core. This engagement is effected with limited friction and in a sensitive manner by means of a drive, with the pressure roller being supported on at least one steering rod that is pivot-connected to two guides, the other ends of which are pivot-supported in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Windmoeller and Hoelscher
    Inventors: Thomas Hawighorst, Rolf Kammann, Werner Decker
  • Patent number: 7188799
    Abstract: There is provided a system and apparatus for dispensing wet wipes. The system may include a housing, a tray and a cartridge, and a wiper blade. The cartridge may have the ability to be inserted into the dispenser in a pre-selected manner based on the desired orientation of the wipes contained therein. The wiper blade may have the ability to control the dispensing characteristics of the wet wipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Lindsay, Herb F. Velazquez, William Robert Newman, Michael John Faulks, Paige Annette Dellerman, Ligia A. Rivera, Jennifer Cappel Larson, Cherry A. Bochmann, Gerald P. DeGreen, Nick E. Stanca, Jeffrey M. Kalman, Yung Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 7188800
    Abstract: A winding core capable of being made in relatively thick-walled configurations and yet capable of being readily collapsed into a flattened configuration for shipping or storage prior to use comprises a plurality of fibrous plies helically wound one atop another and adhered together to form a tube. The plies are arranged in two or more groups of two or more plies each. The plies of each group are adhered to one another over at least a substantial majority of their facing surfaces, but the adjacent groups are non-adhered to each other over at least a substantial majority of their facing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Nico J. C. Bessems, Emile Henricus Lutgens, Ed Spronk, Johannes W. van de Camp, John Whitehead
  • Patent number: 7188801
    Abstract: The centroid of the discrete components forming the overall radar return from a target onto which a homing weapon is being guided may not coincide with a desired aimpoint on the target. Herein proposed is the discrimination and comparison of returns from different portions of the weapon sensor's field-of-view, i.e. different portions of the target and guidance of the weapon in dependence upon the relative values of the differences between those returns. As a result, the weapon can hit say the centre of a tank turret roof rather than the probably heavily armoured area forward of the turret roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Malcolm D Jones
  • Patent number: 7188802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a convertible aircraft provided with first and second tilt fans disposed on either side of the fuselage a little forward of the center of gravity of the convertible aircraft. In addition, the convertible aircraft includes, in remarkable manner, a non-tilting fan that is permanently in a vertical position and that is contained inside the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Eric Magre
  • Patent number: 7188803
    Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft is provided with a plurality of thrust generators which generate thrust substantially vertically upward with respect to the aircraft; a first prime mover which drives the thrust generators, and an occupant seat. At least one of the thrust generators is disposed at either a front section of the aircraft or a rear section of the aircraft, and the remaining thrust generator or thrust generators are disposed at either the rear section or the front section, whichever the at least one of the thrust generators is not disposed at. The prime mover and a sitting surface of the occupant seat are disposed between the at least one of the thrust generators at the front section of the aircraft and the at least one of the thrust generators at the rear section of the aircraft, and in a position lower than all of the thrust generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatsugu Ishiba
  • Patent number: 7188804
    Abstract: A float retractable landing gear. The float retractable landing gear incorporates a wheel support, a side gear door, a bottom gear door, and one or more hinges and strut ears attached to a spine. At least one hinge is rotatably attached to a float. The float incorporates a float side cutout communicating with a float bottom cutout. A spring-loaded strut incorporating on over center toggle down lock feature is attached between the float retractable landing gear and the float. A float side wall skin is attached to an upper portion of the float side wall cutout. The side gear door is sized to cover the lower portion of the float side wall cutout, and the bottom gear door is sized to cover the float bottom cutout. The float retractable landing gear may be specified to default into the extended or retracted position depending on the strut spring constant selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Steven C. Boetto
  • Patent number: 7188805
    Abstract: A power distribution system having a continuous power bus to supply power and/or data to aircraft passenger seats in a mobile platform. The power distribution system generally includes a bus strip that extends along a length of the passenger cabin and a connector operable to provide a connection between the bus strip and the passenger seats. Power and/or data can be transmitted between the bus strip and the passenger seats, via the connector, at any point along the bus strip, thus eliminating the need to run separate connections between the power and/or data source and each passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James T. Henley, Robert T. Johnson, Darrel E. Santala, Samuel J. Feist, Trevor M Laib, Bradley J. Mitchell, Kevin S. Callahan
  • Patent number: 7188806
    Abstract: A passenger accommodation unit with deployable bed, including a passenger seat and a passenger bed positioned relative to the seat and adapted for movement between a stowed position wherein the bed is upright and adjacent to the seat, and a deployed position wherein the bed is horizontal for use and overlaps and is supported in part by the seat. The unit includes a credenza positioned adjacent the seat and between the seat and the bed that supports the bed when deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: B E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Beroth
  • Patent number: 7188807
    Abstract: Refueling booms with multiple couplings, and associated methods and systems, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a deployable boom carrying a refueling passage. A first coupler carried by the boom can be operatively coupleable to the refueling passage. The first coupler can be configured to be releasably connected to a receiver aircraft during refueling. A second coupler can be carried by the boom and can be operatively coupleable to the refueling passage, with the second coupler being configured to be releasably connected to a receiver aircraft during refueling. In particular embodiments, the first and second couplers can have different configurations so as to be compatible with aircraft having different refueling arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jerell L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7188808
    Abstract: An aerial power generation system includes a guide line supported by a support body. Wind driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The guide lines add stability to the system and provide better control over angular orientation and direction of motion. Power transfer is through one or more tow lines connected from the driven elements to power generation devices on the ground. Another embodiment of the aerial power generation system includes a revolving apparatus and two or more wind powered driven elements connected by tow lines to the revolving apparatus. The method includes changing the driven elements between high and low force configurations for downwind and upwind operation, and flying the driven elements in a selected pattern perpendicular to the tow line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Gaylord G. Olson
  • Patent number: 7188809
    Abstract: Stiffener apparatus for stabilizing a hanger rod includes a clamp having a mechanical fastener extending through openings formed in spaced clamp segments. The clamp is constructed of deformable material so that the clamp segments bend into engagement with the hanger rod to urge the hanger rod toward an elongated stiffener member positioned between a closed end of the clamp and the hanger rod when the mechanical fastener is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Steven A. Roth
  • Patent number: 7188810
    Abstract: An assembly includes an adjustable strap that has slidable first and second sections. The first section has opposed ends, a groove formed in a top surface, extending downwardly along a partial length thereof, originating medially thereof and terminating at one opposed end. The second section has opposed ends and a finger formed with one end that is slidable within the groove. The first and second sections overlap when the finger engages the groove. A retaining member is disposed about the first and second sections so that the finger member is maintained in the groove. A ring has a handle that is engageable with the strap. The strap and the ring are formed from rigid material for supporting a bottle's weight. A mechanism is included for fastening the strap to a support surface. Pins define a fulcrum axis about which the first and the second sections are pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Sonja M. Lasky
  • Patent number: 7188811
    Abstract: A method for forming rotatable bases for offices chairs characterised by structurally joining together at least two half-shells to form overall a plurality of spokes, each consisting of an elongated box-shaped body, and a central ring into which a column is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Imarc S.p.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Liviero
  • Patent number: 7188812
    Abstract: A self-locking support arm is provided, comprising a hang arm and a linked device between a support seat and a connecting seat, which forms a set of four parallel connected rods. Therefore, when the support arm moving up and down, the connecting seat will maintain a fixed angle. A spring device is disposed between the hang arm and the linked device to provide tension of auto homing to the support arm. And, in a rotating joint formed by the linked device and the support seat, a ramp block and a ramp slider block is engaged, to provide an effect of self-locking, and better loading capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Sallas Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 7188813
    Abstract: An adjustable support assembly for a data entry/interface device provides selective adjustment of the height of a data entry/interface mount with respect to a work surface mount. The adjustable support assembly also may provide for selective adjustment of the angular orientation or tilt of the data entry/interface mount. A selective height adjustment device is provided with a releasable brake assembly to permit control of the height of the data entry/interface mount, while selective angular orientation of the data entry/interface mount may be achieved by use of a clamping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kevin J. Kollar
  • Patent number: 7188814
    Abstract: This cord holder may be used for storage or transport of any coiled elongate article, such as a rope or electrical cord. It comprises a collar that surrounds and contains the coil, and a shank that extends away from the collar and forms a shoulder across the collar. The shank supports the coil to keep it from falling through the collar or otherwise becoming tangled or uncoiled. The collar may be open or closed, and the shank may take on various angles and shapes to accommodate a variety of coiled elongate articles. This cord holder may be made from a variety of materials and is scalable in size to accommodate varying loads. Methods of use are shown that include mounting brackets and transport features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7188815
    Abstract: A box prong anchor includes first and second prongs in spaced relation, and a tether connected between the prongs allowing the prongs to bend toward each other without restriction from the tether and to bend away from each other only with corresponding movement of the other of the prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Illnois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: Rex J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7188816
    Abstract: A pallet P of the present invention consists of a pallet main body 1, four mount sections 2 provided on the pallet main body 1, and a lower open space 5 provided below the pallet main body 1 and having open four sides. The pallet main body 1 has an abutment frame section 3 which can abut on an inner wall of a dry container A and other pallets P. According to this pallet P, if a predetermined number of pallets P are contained in the container A, the abutment frame sections 3 abut on the other pallets P, whereby a predetermined number of coiled carrying articles C which are loaded on the pallets P vertically are arranged in a zigzag fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Steel Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Aoki, Nobuaki Itou, Nobuhiro Kato
  • Patent number: 7188817
    Abstract: A plastic molded deck board provides a sturdy, durable, lightweight, economical, readily identifiable, and easily handled surface for supporting cargo on top of trailer load beams. The deck board defines a platform having a top face for supporting cargo, a bottom face and a plurality of side faces. The top face defines a plurality of protrusions having variable shapes and heights and rubber stoppers for providing surface friction. The bottom face defines a plurality of side walls, a plurality of angled cross walls, a first platform channel and optionally a second platform channel disposed between the plurality of angled cross walls for receiving a center load beam of a cargo trailer. The top face defines recessed slots for receiving the angled cross walls of another deck board such that two or more deck boards can be securely stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Aero Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Henning
  • Patent number: 7188818
    Abstract: A portable easel comprises an easelback and palette box joined by two lockable hinges mounted on opposing sides, the hinges having friction washers, and having knobs extending outward from shafts of each hinge, the shafts defining a rotational axis. With knobs loosened, the easelback may be rotated to a desired angle relative to the palette box, and, with knobs tightened, the friction washers lock the easelback into position. The easelback further comprises a canvas-holder having a vertically adjustable slidable lower support plate and a vertically extendable shaft, said shaft having a horizontal cross member configured with rotatable hooks for securing a canvas. The palette box further comprises a right-angle baseplate for tripod connection to advantageously place the opened easel's center of gravity at the baseplate-to-tripod connection. The easelback may comprise slots for storing canvases, and the palette box may be configured with multiple compartments for storing paints and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Eric Long-Chia Chang
  • Patent number: 7188819
    Abstract: Object-support column includes an end unit, a guide tube which has a nominal diameter, and end having an end diameter which is smaller than the nominal diameter, and a transition-length portion extending from the nominal diameter to the end diameter, the end being connected to the end unit. A pneumatic tube surrounds the guide tube and the end unit, the pneumatic tube having a conical section with a diameter reduction surrounding the end unit. Alternatively, a guide portion of the guide tube may be supported radially on the inner wall of the pneumatic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Thurmann, Stephan Enders
  • Patent number: 7188820
    Abstract: A vibration damping floor structure for reducing vibrations and shocks applied to a building. The vibration damping floor structure includes a frame structure formed by connecting a plurality of frames, a plurality of ball bearing supports formed on predetermined locations of the frame structure, and a plurality of ball bearings formed on each ball bearing support. Each bearing support is structured so that all of the ball bearings can contact the floor by adjusting the height and following the inclination of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Kizai, Inc.
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Kobayashi, Hironori Ooshima, Hajime Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7188821
    Abstract: Described is a removable assembly for use on a fixed surface. The assembly includes a post having a base (42) and an attachment assembly (8). The attachment assembly includes a base plate (10) and a magnet assembly (12), both capable of carrying a magnetic current. The magnet assembly includes a housing (20) and a magnet (22) disposed within the housing. To use, the magnet assembly is placed adjacent the base plate, the magnetic forces attracting and holding them together. The magnet is positioned apart from the base plate while the housing contacts the base plate to form the magnet circuit. An attachment plate (30) is connected to the housing upper wall adjacent its outer surface. The attachment plate includes one or more outwardly projecting attachment bolts (26). As assembled, the bolts engage corresponding openings (48) in the post base (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pacific Cascade Parking Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7188822
    Abstract: A bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action based on applied pressure on the valve assembly. The bathroom flusher also includes an external cover designed for enclosing an electronic control module comprising a battery, a sensor, and an actuator for controlling operation of the flush valve, wherein the external cover includes at least two cover parts separately removable, and wherein the external cover is attachable with respect to the valve body in a manner also allowing removable attachment of the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignees: Arichell Technologies, Inc., Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Martin E. Marcichow, Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert
  • Patent number: 7188823
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuating mechanism for an internal combustion engine has an axially displaceable control element with an armature plate, for opening or closing a valve. Two solenoids are arranged behind one another in the displacement direction and spaced with respect to one another. One solenoid is arranged on the side of the armature plate close to the valve and the other is on the side away from the valve. Two springs are arranged behind one another in the displacement direction, one of the springs being arranged on the side of the armature plate close to the valve and the other being arranged on the side away from the valve. The control element, which is held in a neutral position when the solenoids are currentless, is deflectable from its neutral position by energizing the solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Johannes Meyer
  • Patent number: 7188824
    Abstract: An appliance lift tool is provided which includes a cart having a frame includes a support platform having a horizontal orientation, a bottom frame, and a lift mechanism engaged between the support platform and the bottom frame to move the support platform toward and away from the bottom frame, while maintaining the support platform's horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Richard R. Blake, Jeffrey T. Russell, Charles L. Jones, Paul J. Gray, Jeffrey W. Fjelstul, Steven P. Hinrichs, Richard T. Lundy, Henry H. Wu
  • Patent number: 7188825
    Abstract: A catchment net (1), especially for rockfall blocking, includes a net (2) consisting of elements that engage with each other, and whose two longitudinal sides are each moveably held by a holding rope (3, 4) extending between at least two support bodies (7, 8, 9, 10). The two holding ropes (3, 4) are moveably held by the individual support bodies (7, 8, 9, 10) in their longitudinal direction and tensioned at the side. At least one running rope (37, 38, 39, 40; 47, 48, 49, 50) or suchlike extending alongside the support body on each of the holding ropes (3, 4) preferably within the area of the each support body (7, 8, 9, 10) is affixed with one end on one side and with the other end on the other side to the support body (7, 8, 9, 10). The net (2) is moveably held within the support body area by the running ropes (37, 38, 39, 40; 47, 48, 49, 50). The catchment net (1) therefore guarantees an optimal load distribution as well as a more favorable flow of energy through the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fatzer AG
    Inventor: Marcel Sennhauser
  • Patent number: 7188826
    Abstract: A resilient clip adapted for internal installation within a rail having a longitudinally extending internal gap. The clip includes a lower leg that engages the base of the rail, and an intermediate leg, which engages a side wall of the rail. An indented upper leg of the clip is capable of clamping an elongate line, such as an electrical or communication line, in an elevated position in the upper section of the rail. Plural clips may be installed in the rail to support such a line at multiple spaced points along its length. A strengthening cable may be installed in the lower section of the rail, in overlying relationship to the lower legs of the clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 7188827
    Abstract: Gas spring includes a cover which works together with a rolling bellows and a bottom part to form a gas-filled spring space, where at least part of the outside surface of the rolling bellows is covered by a sleeve. The sleeve provides a receptacle for at least one sensor which detects the stroke position of the gas spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Achim Thomae, Robert Pradel
  • Patent number: 7188828
    Abstract: A hydraulic bearing includes a supporting bearing, a bearing base, and an annular spring element of elastomeric material interconnecting the supporting base and the bearing base. A working chamber and a compensating chamber are bounded by the supporting bearing and bearing base and filled with damping fluid. A partition having an opening separates the working chamber from the compensating chamber. The opening connects the working chamber and the compensating chamber in a fluid-conducting manner. An annular stop is disposed in the working chamber and is movable relative to the supporting bearing in an axial direction. An inner peripheral edge of the annular stop is received in a receiving portion of the supporting bearing. A ratio of a thickness of the inner peripheral edge in the axial direction and a height of the receiving portion in the axial direction is 0.5 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Rudolf, Arnold Simuttis
  • Patent number: 7188829
    Abstract: A rubber 12 is vulcanized and bonded integrally with an engine side mounting member 11 and a barrel member 14 for caulking and fixing a diaphragm 16. A car body side mounting member 13 is formed by injection molding a resin material on the outer circumference of the rubber 12. A seal is provided between the barrel member 14 and the diaphragm 16 by caulking the peripheral edge part of the diaphragm 16 with the barrel member 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Miyahara
  • Patent number: 7188830
    Abstract: A fluid-filled active damping apparatus having a pressure receiving chamber divided by a partition member into a primary fluid chamber and an auxiliary fluid chamber. The partition member houses a movable plate extending entirely across between opposing faces of upper and lower through holes of the partition member. Elastic projections of the movable plate from its outer peripheral portion are held sandwiched between upper and lower divider plates of the partition member, so that the movable plate is exposed to the primary fluid chamber through the upper through hole and to the auxiliary fluid chamber through the lower through hole. A connecting gap is formed between the upper and lower divider plates and the peripheral portion of the movable plate where the elastic projections have not been formed, to connect the primary and the auxiliary fluid chambers through the through holes and the connecting gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kato, Kei Okumura
  • Patent number: 7188831
    Abstract: Suspension system comprising a flat spring member having four legs. The legs are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center position of the spring member and each of the legs has a longitudinal axis and an end portion. A suspension frame is provided to support the spring member (by fixing the end portion of two legs. Two preload elements are arranged close to the end portions of two of the legs in a manner to apply a preloading force at those legs. The preloading force essentially points in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Willem Walter Coppoolse
  • Patent number: 7188832
    Abstract: A locating and clamping apparatus can prevent spatter from entering the clamp body through a spatter discharge hole. A longitudinal groove is formed in a side surface of the clamp body so as to communicate with both a spatter discharge hole and a hole for supporting a fulcrum pin. A spatter protecting cover having an upper cover member and a lower cover member is fitted in the longitudinal groove. The upper cover member of the spatter protecting cover prevents the fulcrum pin from coming off, and the lower cover member of the spatter protecting cover opens or closes the spatter discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazushi Kita, Kenichi Takeda
  • Patent number: 7188833
    Abstract: A multilevel clamp device for allowing multiple items to be clamped at the same time. The multilevel clamp device includes a plurality of clamps being for clamping the frames. Each of the clamps comprises a pair of end walls. The end walls of one of the clamps selectively engages the end walls of another one of the clamps to inhibit inadvertent movement of one of the clamps with respect to the other one of the clamps when one of the clamps is stacked onto another one of the clamps. Each of the clamps comprises a clamping assembly coupled between the end walls of the associated one of the clamps. The clamping assembly of each of the clamps is designed for engaging one of the frames and clamping an associated one of the frames between the clamping assembly and one of the end walls of the associated one of the clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Richard D. Glaser